Godolphin Adds to 2016 ATC Derby Tally

The Godolphin stable could have uncovered another genuine 2016 Australian Derby hope this season with the John O’Shea-trained colt Tally getting the job done at Moonee Valley for a smart win on Friday night in Melbourne.

Godolphin trainer John O’Shea (pictured with Sea Siren) has a strong 2016 Australian Derby team building this season including recent Moonee Valley winner Tally. Photo: Daniel Costello.

A trip to Sydney to chase the autumn three-years-old riches is pending for the progressive son of Street Cry following his three-quarter length win over Hoplites in the $40,000 Danny’s Burgers Handicap (1600m) this week carrying the 60kg top weight.

It was his second win in as many starts this time in and a nice step-up from his Kyneton success over 1450m on January 30, jockey Ben Melham giving the promising stayer a gun run overcoming an awkward spot to swoop late.

Tally has had a total of seven starts for three wins and two seconds to date, his only foray in black-type company being his fifth to subsequent Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) winning filly Jameka in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate Day last October.

Connections have the horse nominated for the $2 million Group 1 BMW Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 2 on Day 1 of Sydney’s The Championships.

The latest Australian Derby betting markets have Mick Price’s Victorian Derby winner Tarzino, who races first-up this weekend in the $200,000 Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, as the early favourite.

After his latest success, Tally has shot up the futures Australian Derby odds and is at $13 for the win.

The team are looking at a next-up run in the $200,000 Group 2 Caulfield Autumn Classic (1800m) on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, February 27, before confirming Sydney plans.

“He’s always been a really nice horse and John has liked him from day one,” Godolphin’s Melbourne-based assistant trainer David Charles told Racing Victoria post-win on Friday evening.

“Hence we gave him a light spring in view of an autumn – now he’s had the two runs and will progress on now.

“We’ll just raise the bar and he’ll tell us (what he is capable of).”

The 2016 Australian Derby nominations attracted 129 three-year-olds this season.

O’Shea’s other standout entries for the mile and a half classic include Victoria Derby runner-up Etymology, Moonee Valley Vase second placed Shards who resumed with a fourth in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on February 6 and Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) third placegetter last autumn Tarquin.

Medaglia D’Oro colt Shards is set to contest the $750,000 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington Racecourse on March 5 on way to the Derby in Sydney.

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